An NHS whistleblower has claimed that the A&E crisis is being made worse because highly trained NHS paramedics across the country are being poached by Atos and Capita to do assessments for personal independence payment (PIP), instead of saving lives.

Much as I deplore the workings and dealings of that set-up (the very mention of the name 'Atos' sends shuddering shivers shifting down my spine), I really don't see that they can be blamed in this instance for "making the A&E crisis worse". The blame there surely should be placed squarely on the shoulders of the NHS top dogs and controllers.

Paramedics in the NHS usually have to train to degree level, yet salaries range from just £21,478 to £27,901 for the most experienced paramedics. In addition, the job involves a good deal of shift work and unsocial hours.

Atos, on the other hand, offer paramedics who join them as full-time PIP assessors a salary of £32,000 plus private medical insurance, life assurance, income protection insurance and no unsocial hours.

It is hardly surprising if paramedics choose to make the move to Atos, or to Capita who offer a very similar package.

Shifting the blame over and onto the hated Atos and Capita - looks to me to be a cowardly scapegoat 'pass the buck' exercise on the part of the rapidly failing and soon to be privatised NHS.

Indeed, one of the main complaints regarding the Atos assessment process has been that the members of their employees ultimately involved in allotting the essential points involved in the medical assessment procedures were on the whole pen-pushing clerks possessing no actual knowledge or experience in the medical field.Seems to me, the recruitment of paramedics, people with practical knowledge and experience in medical matters is actually a positive move aimed at correcting that erstwhile failure.